Does extra RAM improve sound?

MontyMonty
edited March 2011 in Digital
I've just upgraded my Mac Mini's RAM from 2GB to 8GB and I'm convinced I'm hearing better sound quality (deeper - more controlled bass and greater 'clarity').

Am I imagining things? I'm using bare iTunes with the Young set to 384 until the firmware fix is ready.

I only went for bigger RAM so I can have bigger playlists loaded into RAM in Amarra......

Comments

  • uglymusicuglymusic
    I'd be surprised if you'd hear much with iTunes, but if you're using an app that holds files in RAM for playback, then no surprise.
  • MontyMonty
    as I thought...... a possible placebo effect. I don't want to swap back to compare .....
  • uglymusicuglymusic
    But I may well be wrong. Have a look at what's happening to RAM usage using the Activity Monitor app in the Utilities folder.
  • ItemAudioItemAudio
    According to Usage, no. But Usage doesn't know everything . . .

  • AlanAlan
    I see a lot of peeps are putting 8gb RAM into slightly older minis (mine is 2009), though I thought they only supported 4gb. I've just googled it & seen that any intel mini with the DDR3 RAM can support 8gb.

    Any suggestions on good value RAM? I've bought Kingston modules from DABS.com before, but if anyone knows of a better/cheaper supplier then I'm all ears.

    Also - as I'm here - what suggestions have you for a nice little SSD?
  • uglymusicuglymusic
    I've always bought RAM from crucial.com. I don't know how they compare price-wise to your preferred Jamaican alternative :-)

    Jason recommended OCZ SSDs to me. I bought a 32GB one for about £45. But those do not seem to be available. May be worth Googling.
  • AlanAlan
    Thanks Dave - the 30gb SSD is about £60, the 60 is closer to £90. I thought I remembered the 'vertex' name.

    RAM is just RAM I suppose, so unless anyone educates me to the contrary I shall just get good quality budget spec gear.
  • uglymusicuglymusic
    RAM isn't just RAM, so I wouldn't buy the cheapest. But Kingston and Crucial have good reputations. 
  • AlanAlan
    I think I got Kingston last time. I've not heard of crucial before - I will check them out. Thanks!
  • bhobbabhobba
    I use 4gb because that is the minimum to use the latest version of Pure Music.  Beyond that however I don't think really improves things.

    Thanks
    Bill


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